Press Releases

For Michael Watson, the reason for returning to college was simple. “I want to finish my degree before I’m 30,” he says. But once he began his classes, the biblical foundations major realized he was going to learn more than he ever imagined.

“The Degree Completion Program has been above and beyond what I expected,” he says. “It’s incredible how relevant everything is.” Read Michael's story.

HOUGHTON, N.Y. – In frigid and snowy conditions, sophomore Nathan Meeker ran his best cross country race of the year and won the NCCAA Division II National Championship on Saturday, November 15. Read the rest of this entry »

Update: PBS featured this grant in a recent national broadcast. Watch the video.

PORTLAND, Ore. − Multnomah Biblical Seminary is one of 10 seminaries nationwide selected by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for a combined $1.5 million in grants to incorporate science into core theological curricula.

The grant will provide resources to integrate science into select core courses, such as systematic theology, biblical studies, church history and pastoral theology. The courses will be developed and implemented over the next two years and provide seminarians with solid, science-focused instruction.

“Many people look to their religious leaders for guidance on issues relating to science and technology, even though clergy members may get little exposure to science in their training,” said Jennifer Wiseman, director of the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion.

Dr. Paul Louis Metzger, MU seminary professor and director of its Institute for the Theology of Culture: New Wine, New Wineskins, said evangelical Christianity has often experienced a difficult relationship with the contemporary sciences. “Ironically, the evangelical movement has benefited greatly from implementing scientific and technological advances in communication and media for gospel proclamation,” he said.

MU educates countless pastors, whose churches draw people from diverse backgrounds and vocations, including the sciences. “Often these parishioners feel like they live in two universes: one of faith and one of science,” said Metzger, who serves as the project leader. “Through New Wine, New Wineskins’ oversight and coordination, this generous grant will make it possible for our seminary faculty to equip students in the integration of faith and science. Our students will be more effective as pastoral leaders in serving their members, their vocations and their communities in our scientific age.”

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About Multnomah University

Multnomah University is a fully accredited, private, non-denominational, Christian institution of higher education located in Portland, Oregon, with teaching sites in Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Composed of a college, seminary, graduate school, degree completion program and online distance-learning program, Multnomah issues bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as professional certifications and endorsements. For more information, visit multnomah.edu.

I’m too old. I don’t like school. It’s too much money. Geneva Arnold thought up several excuses when she felt a pull toward seminary. “I’d had no vision for nine months,” she says. “But one day I was praying, and God told me to get a ministerial degree.”

Arnold was appalled. She came up with every reason not to go. Finally, thinking she’d found a way out, she decided to cut a deal. “I told God, ‘If you want me to go, then my husband has to be on board,’” she says. But when she told him, he surprised her. “Of course,” he said. “What else would you do?” And that was that. Arnold was going to seminary.

After spending the next four years earning her bachelor’s degree at local colleges, the time came to look for a seminary. Arnold was struck by the polar opposites she encountered. “There were some seminaries that made me wonder if they were Christian at all, while others were rigid and patriarchal,” she says. “When I settled in at MU, I found a balance. It has a good, scholarly environment that’s challenging. At the same time, there’s openness to innovation.”

Arnold was the first woman to attend the seminary at MU’s Reno-Tahoe campus. But rather than feel intimidated, she was empowered by the academic quality and close-knit community she found. “I felt respected in all the classes,” she says. “I’m impressed by the quality of the professors; they’re knowledgeable, and they sincerely love the Lord and the spiritual formation of their students. That is meaningful to me.”

Three years deep into the M.Div. program, Arnold is appreciating the depth of study she’s investing in the Scriptures. “I’m a better student of God’s Word,” she says. “I know how to read it better, ask questions of the text, mine out what God is saying and see it as an integrated whole. I loved the Bible before, but now I have expertise, confidence and the tools to find meaning and communicate it.”

But is biblical expertise important in a world that constantly questions the value of a seminary education? Arnold, who’s been attending churches for the past 30 years, says yes. “I do see a difference,” she says. “None of the pastors at the churches I attended had seminary degrees. I grew spiritually, but there was also damage, setbacks, mishandling and misunderstandings. None of those churches remain today. Those problems would have been settled if their leaders had a well-rounded education. They had the passion — but not the knowledge and wisdom.”

Although Arnold isn’t sure where God will lead her after graduation, she plans on diving into Christian conference and seminar work so she can travel nationally and internationally for speaking engagements. Wherever she ends up going, she’s confident that her education will have thoroughly equipped her for her calling. “You have to have something of everything,” she says. “And a seminary education gives people the broad-based education that they need for ministry today.”

The Torah is a parchment scroll on which the first five books of the Old Testament were written. The Larsons purchased several scrolls, all of which are hundreds of years old, in Israel.

Ancient Asset Investments, a brokerage firm dealing in rare biblical artifacts, is assisting the couple with the donation process. Todd Hillard, the firm’s owner, said the Larsons had a vision for placing the Torahs in leading seminaries. “The Larsons have a deep passion for seminary education,” he said. “They want history to influence future scholars.”

Vice President of Advancement Steve Cummings said the gift will further ignite students’ passion for God’s Word. “This is an incredible and generous gift,” he said. “It will bring an added dimension to their educational experience that will last for many years.”

Although the scroll is centuries old, Hillard said it’s durable enough to be used frequently for decades to come. “All Torahs are innately priceless,” he said. “This one is in perfect condition.” He added that the scroll — which is two feet tall and 89 feet long — was likely used in synagogues.

University President Dr. Craig Williford said the artifact will help sharpen students’ interpretation skills while enhancing their appreciation for the Bible’s reliability. “Having direct access to such an important historical copy of the Torah will enable them to connect to the rich heritage of biblical transmission and translation work,” he said. “This will affirm their appreciation of the Scriptures as God’s inspired, authoritative word.”

The scroll’s formal dedication will be hosted on campus and is tentatively set for early February.

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About Multnomah University

Multnomah University is a fully accredited, private, non-denominational, Christian institution of higher education located in Portland, Oregon, with teaching sites in Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Composed of a college, seminary, graduate school, degree completion program and online distance-learning program, Multnomah issues bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as professional certifications and endorsements. For more information, visit multnomah.edu.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dr. Daniel Lockwood, former president of Multnomah University, has passed away at age 65.

Lockwood died peacefully in his Portland home July 9. He was surrounded by family when he entered into the arms of Christ.

“We are all thankful for the way Dr. Dan invested his life in others as a dedicated follower of Christ, leader, teacher, encourager and humble servant,” said Dr. Craig Williford, Multnomah’s current president. “Serving others in the name of Christ was his passion and life commitment. He positively impacted our lives in numerous ways. We will miss him.”

Lockwood worked at Multnomah for more than 34 years. He taught theology for 11 years before serving seven years as seminary dean. In 1997, he became Multnomah’s fourth president. Throughout his time at MU, Lockwood continued to teach theology.

Due to health concerns related to cancer, he retired from the presidency November 1, 2013. He spent the past eight months in close connection with his family.

During Lockwood’s 16-year tenure as president, the University constructed seven buildings on its Portland campus, opened a campus in Reno, Nev., and launched a teaching site in Seattle, Wash. Eight graduate and seminary degree programs were created, and nine undergraduate majors were initiated. The Adult Degree Completion Program, which now provides three majors, was born in 2007. Multnomah was granted university status in 2008.

The Multnomah community mourns the loss of a gentle leader and an outstanding teacher. He leaves a legacy of theological integrity and unreserved faith in Christ.

Lockwood is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jani, and their daughter, Elise. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church in Lake Oswego, Ore. All are invited to attend.

Multnomah University is a fully accredited, private, non-denominational, Christian institution of higher education located in Portland, Oregon, with teaching sites in Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Composed of a college, seminary, graduate school, degree completion program and online distance-learning program, Multnomah issues bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as professional certifications and endorsements. For more information, visit multnomah.edu.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Dr. David Manock has been selected as director of Multnomah’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program.

Manock, who holds a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy, brings a wealth of experience to the position. In addition to teaching at three universities and one seminary on the West Coast, he’s a licensed marriage and family counselor with nearly two decades of experience running a private practice.

Manock said he’s excited about meeting the MAC students at Multnomah University. “I’m looking forward to learning how I can help them succeed as professionals,” he said. “I’m committed to excellence in clinical counseling so that students will know their craft and find their place in the community.”

Multnomah’s history of having a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ drew him to the University. “Although MU values academic excellence, the school is about more than education,” he said. “Multnomah cares about the heart of each grad.”

Manock clearly has a heart for families. He ran a marriage and family therapy private practice in Pasadena, Calif., from 1996 to 2005, and has run the same practice in Salem, Ore., since 2006. He also has served in various pastoral roles within assorted churches over the past 39 years and currently serves as a part-time teaching pastor in Salem.

In 2011, Manock founded the NW Institute for Integrative Counseling and Training, which equips students to use emotionally focused therapy and intersubjectivity psychoanalysis. He has been involved in more than 24 publications and presentations, and he’s currently involved in seven research projects.

In addition to his Ph.D., Manock holds a master of divinity degree and a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling. His teaching experience includes positions at George Fox University, Western Oregon University, Azusa Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary.

As Manock walked around the Multnomah University grounds for the first time, he was moved when he spotted the prayer chapel in the middle of campus. “It’s the smallest building here, but it struck my heart because it concretely spoke to the heart of the University,” he said.

During the interview process, Manock was impressed by the love and care shown by MU administrators. “Multnomah really embodies the incarnate presence of Christ,” he said. “You could tell they were a secure family. I’ll be able to find a home here.”

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About Multnomah University

Multnomah University is a fully accredited, private, non-denominational, Christian institution of higher education located in Portland, Oregon, with teaching sites in Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Composed of a college, seminary, graduate school, degree completion program and online distance-learning program, Multnomah issues bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as professional certifications and endorsements. For more information, visit multnomah.edu.

PORTLAND, Ore.- Multnomah University has hired Lee Sellers to lead its Business Administration program.

As chair, Sellers will teach and mentor students, hire and supervise adjunct instructors, manage curriculum, and identify ways to grow the program. He also will help develop marketing, recruiting and retention strategies while cultivating partnerships that benefit students and the community at large.

Sellers, who holds an MBA, comes to Multnomah with considerable experience in business and higher education. In addition to teaching at two colleges and two universities, Sellers has owned and operated his own consulting business for more than 14 years.

Sellers said he’s looking forward to getting into the classroom and connecting with students. “I enjoy challenge, and I’m excited to build something here,” he said. “I want to develop a world-class program that prepares students to go into the real world and make connections with people that reflect the gospel.”

Multnomah’s emphasis on biblical integration drew him to the University. “I don’t have to covertly communicate my faith like I had to at my old jobs,” he said. “I can talk about it openly here.” And the position itself was too good to pass up. “The job description fit me so perfectly,” he said. “I still can’t believe this is real.”

Sellers focused on leadership, organizational behavior and ethics while earning his MBA. His teaching experience includes positions at George Fox University, Eastern Oregon University, Clark College and Mount Hood Community College.

He has a broad background spanning business, academia and non-profit environments, and he has created, developed and grown several businesses. In each business, Sellers was responsible for all aspects of strategy, finance, sales, marketing, personnel, operations and internal controls.

Sellers is committed to community service. He has spent more than 26 years volunteering at various nonprofits, including the American Red Cross, St. Benedict’s Hospital and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also uses his consulting business to provide free personal finance training for low- and middle-income families. “My goal is to assist families in becoming debt free and meeting future financial goals,” he said.

During his time at Multnomah, Sellers plans to change the Church’s often skewed perception of Christian business leaders. “You don’t have to be a pastor or a missionary to serve God well — you can be salt and light in the business world too,” he said. “It’s not a second-class calling. Every time our business majors graduate, I hope they find their true purpose and that they are adequately prepared to pursue it. I want them to have the chops to hit the road.”

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About Multnomah University
Multnomah University is a fully accredited, private, non-denominational, Christian institution of higher education located in Portland, Oregon, with teaching sites in Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Composed of a college, seminary, graduate school, degree completion program and online distance-learning program, Multnomah issues bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as professional certifications and endorsements. For more information, visit multnomah.edu.